For longer than the Quinlan Visual Arts Center has been called “Quinlan,” the arts organization is holding to its 69-year-old tradition of honoring its members with a unique showcase.

“It traces all the way back to when the organization was the Gainesville Art Association,” Quinlan Executive Director Amanda McClure said.

The Quinlan will host its annual Members’ Exhibition from Oct. 20 to Nov. 26, kicking off the activities with its opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at 514 Green St. NE in Gainesville.

The exhibition is open to all current members of the Quinlan and consists of a variety of artwork.

“Every member is eligible to submit one piece, so that’s how it’s selected,” McClure said. “There’s no reflection process to it. It’s just as simple as that.”

But that’s not the best part.

“What’s really great is that people sometimes join the day they bring us the artwork,” McClure said.

Furthermore, pieces range in shapes, colors and mediums since the exhibition is not restricted in size. Artwork includes sculptures, paintings, glass, ceramics and more.

“It’s the most varied show we do every year,” McClure said. “It’s always very colorful. Lots of very different work. Everything from abstracts to large-scale sculptures. There’s always some surprises and there’s always something new.”

Plus, the show may be as large as the space at Quinlan. The number of members who can participate is not limited.

And it’s proven time and time again to be a very popular event.

“This is always one of the biggest shows that we do,” McClure said. “We expect it to be very well submitted to.”

Drop-offs for artwork will last until Friday, Oct. 14.

In order to prepare for such an event, McClure explained a team of volunteers is needed to install the pieces.

“Because it is one of our larger exhibitions, we have a team of volunteers that come in and help us with the installation process because it is extensive.”

The arts center is seeking volunteers to help install the pieces at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, according to the Quinlan’s website (www.quinlanartscenter.org.)

The show’s juror, Angela Nichols, will judge the exhibit and bestow awards at the opening reception. Nichols is the director of exhibitions and programming at The Hudgens Center for the Arts in Duluth.

Honors to be handed out will be best in show; first, second and third places; and honorable mentions, McClure said.

“This is our longest standing tradition at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center and it’s an overview of the members that help make our organization so successful and their talents,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to celebrate those artists that support us,” McClure said.